Jerry KopeckyMilwaukeeGMHOF 1983NWHOF Lifetime Service 2005

The contribution toward wrestling by Jerry Kopecky has been felt in various aspects. Jerry is an outstanding leader and his leadership has provided an impact in all his endeavors.Jerry was captain of the Washington High School team in Milwaukee in 1953 and vice-president of his graduating class. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1957. While there, he won four letters in wrestling and was captain for 2 years, wrestled every match for 4 years and compiled a 55-7-2 record. He was a member of the UW-Milwaukee Student Government, and was awarded the Lt. William Aynes Outstanding Leadership Award in 1957 (an award given to a UW-Milwaukee athlete). Jerry continued his education through several foundations and fellowships.As a coach at Milwaukee Riverside from 1957-61 and Milwaukee Marshall from 1961-67, Jerry compiled a 81-12-3 record and his teams won 2 sectional championships. While at Marshall High School his wrestling team was ranked 2nd in the state during his last two years of coaching. During his last 4 years of coaching his teams had not been beaten in 42 consecutive meets. In the last 3 years, his wrestling teams won the City Dual Meet and Tournament Championships.His many involvement's include being an officer in the Wisconsin Wrestling Coaches Association, a member of the State AAU, a member of the Wrestling Advisory Committee, and membership in many professional associations. Jerry has had a deep and profound interest in amateur wrestling. Although he is no longer actively coaching, Jerry has demonstrated his interest and support of wrestling by refereeing and helping run freestyle wrestling tournaments in the Milwaukee area.Jerry has had a part in the sport of wrestling in Wisconsin as a high school wrestler, a college wrestler, a coach, referee, a high school principal, and member of and President of the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletic Association Board of Control.